Isle fracking plans are met with opposition

Fracking heck - could this shale gas test site be replicated in Garstang and Bowland in 2013?

Published:16:23Friday 16 January 2015

Plans to bid for permission to explore fracking possibilities in Misson Springs have been met with opposition.

British onshore oil and gas explorer and producer IGas has announced it intends to apply for planning permission to carry out ‘exploratory’ digging in the Springs Road area.

The company confirmed if planning permission is granted a well will be drilled to evaluate the shale and gas potential.

Haxey and Wroot parish councils, which border the proposed site, are set to be contacted regarding the proposed

IGas has also stated that other sites in the area may also be considered in the future – but added it may not necessarily carry out fracking in Misson Springs.

But according to a survey carried out by Frack Free South Yorkshire in nearby communities, 80 per cent of people questioned are opposed to fracking in the area.

David Burley, of FFSY, said: “People here simply do not want fracking.

“I think there will be a lot of opposition from people in the area. Fracking releases methane into the air, which contributes to pollution levels and global warming.

“Drilling uses a lot of water, and would negatively effect the water supply.

“We know from America that there are reports of many harmful effects from fracking and the UK is more densely populated with worse geology, so it could be even more harmful here. I just hope what residents want is listened to.”

An IGas spokesman said: “IGas is in the very early stages of this proposed development but it is important to point out that as part of the planning process, we will hold many consultation events and provide as much information as possible to local people.

“The exploration will be done initially by drilling a vertical exploration well to evaluate the geology and shale potential at this location.

“If successful, a horizontal well will then be drilled immediately to assess the lateral extent of the shale column. At this stage a further planning application would be made for approval.”

The proposed site also borders Bassetlaw and Bassetlaw MP John Mann said: “Decisions on fracking should not be made by national Government.

“If local people say that they do not want fracking on a particular site, they should have the right to make that decision.”